2 OverviewPre-college robotics programs introduce youth to technical careersFIRST Robotics Competition (FRC): inspires youth to change the culture and change the worldSimilar programs: VEX Robotics, BEST, Botball,etc.I won’t be discussing these other programs todayNASA’s investment in FRCMentors and volunteers from NASA CentersFinancial support to FRC teams and eventsThe return on investmentInterns/early-career employees in NASA: CuriosityYou can make an investment too!

3 FIRST: Changing the CultureFor Inspiration and Recognition of Science and TechnologyGiving everyone an opportunity to become our future innovators, engineers, and scientistsFIRST’s vision is to positively transform culture by inspiring young people, their schools, and communities to appreciate and celebrate science and technology. FIRST is about more than robots. It is a life-changing experience – and a lot of fun!

5 What is a FIRST robot?FRC robots are amazing creations: fast, strong, maneuverable and even incredibly autonomousTeams create robots based on how they plan to play the gameBrainstorming, strategyManaging critical resources: (schedule, mass and money)Robot is team-built, student-drivenIdentical ‘Kit of Parts’ provides key parts (radio, controllers, motors, ...), but NO INSTRUCTION BOOK!Robot designed and built from scratch, subject to size/weight limits (perimeter, 60” tall, <120 lbs.), many other rules on allowable components and safety

6 FRC Team Organization Many FRC Teams work in a structured environmentTeam Org ChartSub-teams with student leadershipMentors as “shadows”Project ScheduleDevelopment processMonitor progress

7 FRC: What’s it like?? A hands-on project-based experienceStudents design, build and operate a functional robotUseful skills developed: problem-solving, teamwork, meeting deadlines, focusMentoring: almost magic!Experienced professionals advising the team membersVolunteers who are fully committed to helping students learn and succeedFun and ExcitementCompetitions are exciting to watch: dramatic action, team spirit in a noisy stadiumBe yourself! Dancing, spiked hair, costumes and cheering!!

10 A Key Figure: Dave Lavery, NASA HQ2013 Service to America Medal “Sammy”For leading the Curiosity mission to Mars2009 FIRST Volunteer of the YearExecutive Advisory Board, Game Design Committee , FRC Team 116 MentorResponsible for NASA grants to FIRST Robotics Competition TeamsDevelops Game Animation released at annual kickoff event

11 Connections between Curiosity and FRCProduct: Incredible Robots!For Mars ExplorationFor EducationPeople in FIRST:Dozens of NASA MentorsHundreds of volunteersFRC “alumni” on Curiosity team

12 NASA’s Return on InvestmentDozens of JPL Interns working on Mars ProgramsFRC involvement (or other robotics programs) is often a discriminator on applicationsThese students fit well in the professional environmentEarly-career employees involved in MSL developmentSeveral FRC alumni served in mission critical rolesThey attribute FRC involvement to their career choicesNext Generation Mars Explorers are emerging from programs like FIRSTVideo: you too can participate!Find a nearby team and/or volunteer atSee you at a competition…meet me in St. Louis!!